The Simple Woman's Daybook- July 26th 2011

Every once in a while, I stumble across a fellow blogger's gratitude list, and I've thought "Oh how, neat, I should really start doing this too!"  But for whatever reason, I never have.....I also never realized that these gratitude lists were part of a blog hop hosted by The Simple Woman's Daybook blog by Peggy Hostetler.  I bought the book "Simple Abundance", by Sarah Breathnach YEARS ago, and I still have it out where I can flip through it daily (actually, it's in the loo...;))  It's one of those books that no matter what page I open it to, the writing is always relevant to where I am currently in my life.  WONDERFUL book.  Anyhow, I digress.  One of the exercises the book recommends is a  daily gratitude list of 5 things you're grateful for.  I got out of the habit a while ago, but it's something I've missed.  For now, the first step I'll take to getting back to it is to join the Simple Woman's Daybook blog hop.  So, here I go;

FOR TODAY:
Outside my window...I hear the morning birds calling, see the garden blooming and neighbors on their morning walks.

I am thinking...that I love looking forward to each new season- I am truly ready for Autumn!

I am thankful...that school begins next week- time to get back on a real schedule!

In the kitchen...There is fresh coffee- soon there will be bagels and cream cheese.....

I am wearing...My Betty Boop pj's, a grey tank top and my glasses

I am creating...a painting of a butterfly, a portrait of a chocolate lab, a journal page for July and lots more ideas are swirling in my head......

I am going...to stay home and paint today

I am wondering...what I should paint next- too many ideas, too little time

I am reading..."What's Nest on my List" by Jill Smolinski

I am hoping...that I won't have a hard time breaking my habit of smoking in a couple of weeks

I am looking forward to...receiving the next Traveling Sketchbook- it's always like Christmas!

I am hearing...the washing machine, a kitten purring, Blue Jays and Towhees calling

Around the house...All is quiet, because I'm only one up!

I am pondering...what color the last zinnia should be in my painting......

One of my favorite things...Weekend barbecues with family and friends

A few plans for the rest of the week: I'm hosting a paint party for 10 second graders- super excited about this!, finishing my painting, hanging out with my kids, grilling with the family, and buying school supplies

Here are some pictures for thought I am sharing...

Spiderman stopping for a little refreshment

One of the snaps I took for last weeks IA challenge: "Wings"- Does anyone know what kind of bug this is?

Mojo enjoying the sunshine- I can't believe how big she has gotten!

So there you have it, my first ever post for the Simple Woman's Daybook- had a lot of fun with this- it really does clarify things for me!
Cheers,
Stephanie